Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is part of our oral surgery care.

Impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth may become impacted (fail to erupt) because there is not enough room in the jaw or because of the angle they come in at. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted also tend to be difficult to clean, and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease.

Signs of a wisdom tooth problem

• Pain or tenderness at the back of the jaw
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums around a partly erupted tooth
• A bad taste or bad breath that keeps coming back
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• Crowding or pressure on the neighboring molars

Some impacted wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all. We check their position with X-rays at regular exams, which is how many problems are caught early.

Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?

No. Wisdom teeth that come in fully, in a good position, and can be kept clean may not need removal. When they are impacted, pushing on other teeth, or repeatedly infected, removal is usually recommended before problems get worse.

Why timing matters

Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make extraction easier and shorten recovery time.

What removal involves

To remove a wisdom tooth, your dentist first numbs the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Since an impacted tooth may still be under the gums and embedded in the jawbone, your dentist may need to remove a portion of the covering bone. To minimize the amount of bone removed, your dentist will often “section” the wisdom tooth so each piece can come out through a small opening.

Healing

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Healing time varies with the difficulty of the extraction, and most people feel back to normal within one to two weeks. For a comfortable recovery:

• Rest for a few days and use cold packs on your cheeks
• Eat soft, cool foods and drink plenty of water, without a straw
• Avoid smoking and hard rinsing so the blood clots stay in place
• Take pain relievers as your dentist directs

Your dentist will share what to expect and give you instructions for a comfortable, efficient recovery. Read about general aftercare on our tooth extractions page, or see our financial information page for insurance and payment. Request an appointment to have your wisdom teeth checked.